Proteomics reveals multiple effects of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles in the metabolism of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus

This project aimed to assess the toxicity underlying the exposure of Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), an economically valuable fish species, to TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles (NPs). To carry out the study, juvenile fish were exposed to TiO2 and Ag NPs incorporated in the diet. After 14 days of exposure fish were euthanized and liver and kidney samples collected for proteomics. The shotgun proteomics analysis revealed quantitative changes in multiple proteins. The results suggest effects of TiO2 and Ag NPs in energy/lipid metabolism and for instance alterations in ribosome functions, protein biosynthesis and related processes. This proteomic study provided as well candidate biomarkers for NPs exposure in aquaculture species.